Front of house Billy, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, runs quite a strict door policy here, so sometimes Beethoven struggles to get in. BarChick thinks that it’s because he’s too big, but he’s convinced it’s because he’s not down with the hardcore regulars. Either way Billy is not a good one to cross, so if you are a small, non-argumentative pooch just looking for a pint of ale or a good Bloody Mary then this is the kennel for you.
16 Elia Street, Islington, London N1 8DE

If your pup is a Notting Hill kinda dawg, then he'll love this joint because it's rockstar! When he's finished browsing/cocking his leg on the market stalls bring him in here for a pint. They've got it all from a pretty conservatory, live music, a whole stack of tequila and a great garden out back, there's even free WIFI if he's got a stack of emailing to do.
95-97 Portobello Road, London, W11 2QB

If your dog's had enough of strolling along the river, this pub is the ultimate pit stop. It's located right on the river so you can watch the rowers scull on by as you tuck into a pint. Cosy and charming with a roaring log fire and comfy sofas, there's papers and board games to keep you occupied and even chess for the more intelligent breeds.

The Terrace, Riverside, Barnes, London, SW13 ONR

The Westbourne

This Notting Hill pub is pretty legendary in its own right. The atmosphere is friendly, the food is fresh and tasty and the drink selection is big. They've also got a great area for smoking/drinking/flirting out front. Come play here, and bring your pooch they're more than welcome to join in the party.

Percy the Pug is pretty hospitable, and opens his paws to many a dog. So whether you’re tired of the market and in need of breakfast, or if like BarChick you just want to sink some killer cocktails, then this is the joint for you. This hole-in-the-wall bar is the perfect pit stop for you and your pup, and with dog treats and a market cat to play tag with, your four-legged friend will be more than entertained – woof woof!
Unit 7, Market Row, SW9 8LB

When you step into The Shed, you step right out of London and into the heart of the countryside, hence why this place is perfect for your pooch. It's pretty special in here, the decor is full of rustic touches like tractor bonnets and old ladders and the menu is made up of delicious hand-foraged ingredients. While your pup might not be welcome inside, he's more than welcome on the terrace, so get a round of Daily Looseners in and get watching the hot dogs of Notting Hill as they strut past.

This place is about as chilled as it gets, so dress casual and bring all your hounds so you can get stuck in without having to go home and let them out for a pee. Loads of dogs drop by for a drink and they all love it – probably has something to do with the delicious meatball stand outside which delivers straight to your table. So sit back and tuck in to those Red Stripes, but keep half an eye on the door as sometimes a stray cat wanders in and it isn’t looking for a fight…
49 Ridley Road, Dalston, London, E8 2NP

With their Colonial Britain/Victorian inspired pad, your dog will be more than happy here, it's the perfect place to chill out. Hang on the sofas and work your way through their homemade brews, plus the lighting is sexy and dim so you will be both be looking hot (bit muddy from the park? No one will see). There's always loads of pooches in here, and Jaeger their pet mascot rules the roost.
147 St Johns Hill, London, SW11 ITQ

Whilst BarChick is curled up in front of the fire with her massive Sunday roast and nursing a hair of the dog, Beethoven is salivating over the huge dog treat menu. With peanut butter & banana chews, cheese snacks and beef bones there is something for even the fussiest mutt - just be careful that wagging tail doesn’t send your drink flying. Plus in the summer there is even a dog wash, yes you heard me, a car wash for dogs – it’s genius!
Spaniards Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JJ

This wicked up and coming gastro pub in East Dulwich has nailed the whole cosy pub vibe, and even better you can bring your pooch along with you. They’ve got killer roasts, armchairs you can sink into, carafes of Bloody Marys and pigs in blankets on the bar. Your pooch will be more than happy with the selection of dog biscuits on offer, so this is the perfect pub to while away an afternoon in together.
381 Lordship Lane, London, SE22 8JJ

Need a cocktail but haven’t got anyone to go with? Then this hot new hang out has the answer: bring your hound! Get tipsy with your dog at your side, it’s perfect, plus it’s one of the oldest pulling tricks in the book - so you’ll have a non-canine companion in minutes. If this fails then just pretend you are there to shop (the clue’s in the name)… but bring your credit card as you ain’t going to fool anyone (least of all BarChick) if you leave without a new table.
75 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3ND

This place is done up like a country manor, so we weren’t surprised that pooches are allowed in to complete the look. It’s pretty relaxed in here, so whether you are looking for a hive for your bees or a perch for your parrot then this is your place – “there’s even room for a small pony” BarChick was happy to be told. Plus, if your mutt likes jazz and Yorkshire puddings then he will love it as much as you do - though maybe don’t bring your dog to disco.
40 Acre Lane, Brixton, London, SW2 5SP

BarChick loves this quirky watering hole and with cat whispering offered as standard, what’s not to love? Sure it’s a little strange in here, and after a round of absinthe and champagne Alibi Lectors, things get a whole world stranger. Bring your dog along if it’s house trained… “Animals and children are only permitted if the owner likes then and doesn’t fear they may sh*t all over the gaff.” Fair enough!
54 Islington Park St, Upper St, London N1 1PX

This much loved pub provides a home to all of Camden’s thriving booze hounds and musicians. It is an unshakable (despite its proximity to the rail track and a recent fire) institution, that has and will always be a loyal friend to those in need of a good time and a good pint. There’s a garden and a roof terrace for soaking up the sun/rain in summer, and some log fires to warm up by in winter whilst playing scrabble with your mates. So basically, it’s very accommodating and your pooch will be right at home.
2 Castlehaven Road, Camden, London NW1 8QU"
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If you can only make one cocktail, make it an epic Bloody Mary - it's essentially a life skill and hungover mates will be forever in your debt. London's got some epic ones so if you're gonna DIY it, make it like the pros.

Nowhere sorts hangovers or does Bloody Marys like Hawksmoor, right? We hit up Ali to reveal his dirty morning after secrets:
'The best thing to do is batch it all up; tabasco, Lea & Perrins, lemon juice and salt and pepper - celery salt works best. You've got to explore different spirits and tabasco flavours too - smoked ones with scotch, fresh ones with tequila and gin. Kamm and Sons makes an amazing one with yellow tomato juice, the Sunshine Mary. Pickle House fresh pickle juice in Hackney is amazing in Bloody Marys.'
Want in? Here's how it's done:

The History

Like any good murder mystery, the origin of the Bloody Mary is a big case of whodunnit. Some say Fernand Petiot created it at what became Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in 1921, but the earliest printed recipe credits George Jessel from New York’s 21 Club in the 1930’s. Petiot responded by saying Jessel had only put vodka and tomato juice together and that he made it into the beautiful hangover cure we know today with all those spices and sauces.
Whoever we’ve got to thank we’re happy it exists; Sunday mornings wouldn’t be complete without it.

The Ingredients

Everyone makes theirs differently but for now we’re talking basics; even in your most dire state you can whip this up without adding to your headache.

The Booze

Vodka - If you want a traditional Bloody, vodka is what you’re looking for. Crisp and easy, especially good if you’re feeling particularly woozy. Reyka is great - Made from Icelandic spring water, it’s almost like going to a spa… except in a glass… with booze…
Gin - aka a “Red Snapper” - with all its botanicals, gin can add a nice bit of spice and depth to your breakfast in a glass. Ford’s Gin - made by bartenders, for bartenders - is based on juniper and coriander seeds which gives a nice kick with the tomato juice.
Tequila - aka a “Bloody Maria” - Go south of the border with a bit of Mexican flavour. Agave gives a slight sweetness and earthiness, which mixes with the acids of the tomato to create something light, but with a good bout of personality. Olmeca Altos, which is 100% agave, has hint of green pepper and ginger with caramel on the finish, who needs sugar?
Bourbon - There isn’t a specific name for this yet, but it’s freaking awesome. There is a certain amount of spice and richness that comes through, adding a more robust flavour. Old Forrester is the oldest bottled bourbon and quite literally started out as a medicine - it’s named after the chemist where it was first sold. If this can’t sort your hangover, just throw in the towel and go back to bed.

The Rest

Tomato Juice - This is the easy one. Sure there are a few variations out there, but realistically it’s going to be simple. If you want to get really specific, you want a good thick one that has a bit of sweetness and acidity. It’s the natural sweetness here that’s going to be your secret super hero for dealing with a hangover, helping to lift your glucose levels which feed your brain.
Worcestershire Sauce - Tangy, malted goodness.
Hot Sauce - Regardless if it’s Tabasco, Cholula or otherwise, a bit of kick is going to go a long way.
Lemon Juice - The acidity here will help cut the sugar from the tomato juice, lifting it so it doesn’t feel like cement in your mouth.
Salt - Again, you’re trying to refill your body with everything you took out the night before. It’s also good for bringing out flavours. If you feel like getting fancy, go for celery salt or a smoked salt.

Mix It Up

50ml of your spirit of choice
100ml tomato juice
20ml lemon juice
Hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, the works to your own taste.
Celery, lemon wedge, and/or cucumber for a garnish.
Grab a big glass and fill with ice. Add all ingredients and give a quick stir. Add a bit more of whatever spice you want to tweak the flavours and boom. You’ve got a Bloody Mary.

Pimp It Up

Want to make your Bloody Mary extra awesome? There’s a number of tricks to take it to the next level.
Port or Sherry - Adding 10ml of modifier spirit will add some serious depth and length. Even a splash of basic red wine can do wonders.
Garnishes - Pickled green beans, rosemary sprigs, lobster tails, even mini bl**dy burgers. Go big or go home.
Bitters - Play with adding a bit of subtle flavour with a couple dashes of bitters. Just a tiny bit of creole, tiki, or hellfire bitters can have a big impact on what's going on in your glass.
Infusions - For the dedicated boozers. This one takes planning, which might not help if your head is currently in a haze from last night’s festivities. Rosemary, horseradish, or chilli infused spirit is a very different way to pump up the volume.
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string(15653) "Brixton Splash - Sunday 2nd August
If there's one hood that knows how to party, it's Brixton. Kicking off its tenth year in style, this SW9's answer to Notting Hill Carnival is one killer street party that celebrates the diversity of its community, showcases local artists and feeds you up with some irresistible Carribean food. We're talking one epic street party so fill up that hip flask and head south.
Various locations across Brixton, London SW9 // Sunday 2nd August, from 11am // Free entryCocktail Trading Co. on the London Eye - From Friday 3rd July
The London Eye’s extending its hours for another year of Summer Lates, staying open every Friday and Saturday ‘til midnight. They’ve teamed up with The Cocktail Trading Co. to create a killer menu of booze to sip on your trip - sick London views over the river and cocktails from the playboys of the London bar scene? This has date night written all over it.
The London Eye, London SE1 7PB // Friday 3rd July - 21st August at 6pm, 8pm and 10:30pm, Saturday 4th July - 15th August at 6pm and 8pm // £45 include 2 cocktails, nibbles, one hour on the eye, entry to the 4D cinema experience and a 360 mini guideAlcoholic Architecture - From Thursday 30th July
No one gets p*ssed off of liquid booze these days, it’s all about taking it in through your eyeballs. Bompass & Parr have set up some kinda alcoholic weather system where meteorology and mixology collide, basically it’s a badass cocktail cloud that you hang out in and booze seeps into your bloodstream pronto. Even better you'll have don a sexy boilersuit as you wander through the 140 percent boozy air. Take a deep breath…
1 Cathedral Street, Borough Market, London SE1 9DE // From Thursday 30th July, 2pm - 11pm // Hour slots start from £10Abra Kebabra - Saturday 1st August
Five chefs, five kebabs, one night only… With chefs from Chick N Sours, Smokehouse, Berber & Q, Lucky Chip and Mangal 1, this one-time feast is guaranteed to be epic. Ruby’s will also be supplying some killer Turkish-themed drinks; get the meat party started.
MC Motors, 28 Miller Avenue, Dalston, London E8 2DS // Saturday 1st August, 3pm - 11pm // £25 + booking fee, includes five kebabs, a beer and a Turkhito (Turkish Mojito)Sunday Bottomless Brunch - Sunday 2nd August
If there’s something we can’t get enough of, it’s a bottomless brunch. Promising the ultimate laid back, chilled Sunday fun, King’s Kitchen will be mixing up Mimosas and Pimm’s, pumping in club classics with rare groove beats and cooking baked eggs, lavender French toast, Teriyaki wings, white truffle mac’n’cheese and more… because nothing cures a hangover like bacon and booze.
King’s Kitchen, Maida Hill Place, 4 Fernhead Road, London W9 3ET // Sunday 2nd August, 11:30am - 3:30pm // £19.95 per person + booking feeAcoustic Sunday’s Jam Sandwich - Sunday 2nd August
This community based music project has been rocking Hackney every month with banging acts, street food and a pop up bar. Giving local artists the opportunity to showcase what they’ve got going on, the people behind this event are bringing together the locals to bop along, eat great food, hit the liquor and get friendly.
The Crypt, Northchurch Terrace, De Beauvoir, Hackney, London N1 4DA // Sunday 2nd August, 2:30 - 8pmLondon Riviera’s Cîroc School of Mixology - From Wednesday 5th August
If you’ve not visited the Southbank’s answer to a Miami beachside then you need to get on it asap. What better time than for a masterclass in mixology? Taking place in their exotic hideaway every Wednesday from now ‘til October, you’ll learn how to mix their killer Summer Punch as you lay back on a sun lounger, sip out of a pineapple and dream of the palm trees.
London Riviera, 2A More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB // From Wednesday 5th August - Wednesday 28th October, 5:30 - 7pm // £20 + booking feeSky High Yoga at Sky Garden - From Wednesday 5th August
Feeling the weekend? Got the guilt? Man up, London! Go and get your yoga freak on! Hot chicks in lycra saluting the sun in the early hours will get you back on track. All through August ‘til September you can hit the Sky Garden for a sunrise yoga sesh. Panoramic views on the 37th floor with super smoothies? Best hangover cure. Like. Ever.
20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BY // From Wednesday 5th August - September, 6:30 - 7:30am // £10 per personClassics on the Canal - From Thursday 6th August
Didn’t pay attention in that English class at school? Well it’s time for another literary lesson, but this time there are cocktails and a ride along the canal. This boozy boat has pimped itself out as a bar for a three hour trip of cocktails inspired by classic English literature. Sip on drinks influenced by Wind in the Willows and Pride & Prejudice as you bob along from Paddington, down to Little Venice, through Regent’s Canal and onto Camden Lock.
The Electric Barge, Grand Union Canal, Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6NA // Thursday 6th and 13th August, 6:30pm - 9:30pm // £12 per personCider Vs Cheese, The London Fields Edition - Friday 7th August
Hitting one of London Fields' hottest new rooftops, this tasting session is all about sipping on the finest apple and pear ciders paired with six cheeses. This is a summer special so they’ll be serving up freeze distilled cider granita and an apple brandy cocktail alongside some traditional and award-winning craft ciders.
Playground & Proof, London E8 3QW // Friday 7th August, 7 - 9pm // £20 + booking feeBermondsey Micro-Craft Beer Tasting Experience - Saturday 8th August
Big on beer? Get a taste of London’s best craft beers on this walking tour of Bermondsey’s microbreweries, start off at Tower Bridge and then head onwards to your first stop on the Bermondsey Beer Mile (it's a real thing). You’ll be able to learn about brewing and bottling, check out what goes into your beer and most importantly, get your hands on a few pints.
Meet at City Hall, London SE1 2AA // Saturday 8th August, 1 - 5pm // From £35Cahoots Presents The Underground Supper Club - Sunday 9th August
Feeling nostalgic? Get transported to this underground jazz den that takes its inspiration from 1940s Britain for a retro supper club inspired by wartime rationing. Doesn't sound sexy, but trust us it is. The food, created by The Basement Galley’s Alex Cooper sounds insane; garlic and pea soup, BBQ lamb neck with rosemary croquettes and apricot and thyme sorbet, each paired with cocktails Give Peas a Chance, Gipsy’s Kiss and See You Later Baked Potato. Get underground!
Cahoots, 13 Kingly Court, London W1B 5PW // Sunday 9th August, from 5pm // £38 per personRoxx on the Roof - Every Saturday in August
Ain’t nothing we love more than a wild party on a rooftop! Taking over the roof at Soho’s Sanctum Hotel, the Roxx DJs with be spinning some beats alongside epic singers, sexy saxophonists and beatboxing harmonica players… They’ll also have themed parties on the reg as well as brunches, fashion shows and screenings. There’s a jacuzzi too so pack your swimmers and be ready to get wet.
Sanctum Soho Hotel, 20 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NF // Every Saturday in August, 3 - 10pm // From £10Urban Edibles Supper Club - Wednesday 12th August
This one off supper club is all about carefully crafted small plates and cocktails that have been shaken up using foraged veg, herbs and flowers. Hitting Ask For Janice, diners will learn all about urban London’s ingredients and how you can make dinner from your doorstep without help from Ocado.
Ask For Janice, 50-52 Long Lane, London EC1A 9EJ // Wednesday 12th August, 7 - 9:30pm // £10 + booking feeRooftop Film Club Dance Week - From Tuesday 18th August
Always wanted to move like Swayze or be on point(e) like Billy Elliot? Well now you can get the 101 at Rooftop Film Club’s Dance Week. Before you sit down to watch a classic dance movie filmgoers will be helped along by instructors to channel their inner Tony Manero for 30 minutes of rooftop tutorials whilst armed with bespoke dance-inspired booze; Bellini Elliot, anyone? From street dance lessons at the Save the Last Dance showing to bumpin’ and grindin’ before Magic Mike, get ready to shake what your mama gave you before the film starts rolling.
Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, London SE15 4ST // Tuesday 18th - Saturday 22nd August, from 6pm // From £14Botanical Cocktail Lab - Thursday 20th August
Get involved in the flowers and foliage of this candelit ‘Botanical Speakeasy’. All floral installations and bubbles, hang around the botanical bar and pick on their fresh green herbs, adding them to your drinks and experimenting with the flavours. Tickets include four cocktails; Flame, Flirt, Zinger and Lychee Fizz, all just waiting for you to mix it up with your own herby garnish.
Ground Floor, New North House Canonbury Business Centre, 190A New North Road, London N1 7BJ // Thursday 20th August, 7 - 10pm // £40 + booking feeBrisketFest 2015 - Saturday 22nd August
Serving BBQ brisket the way it should be cooked up, this festival of banging meat has brought ten chefs together for one day of great food, live music, epic DJs and great beer. Simple. Tickets include samples of each brisket and a pint of Hells Lager.
Camden Town Brewery, 55-59 Wilkin Street Mews, London NW5 3NN // Saturday 22nd August, 12 - 8pm // £40 + booking fee"
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string(8891) "Bloody Hell, you’re on the South Bank. WHAT DO YOU DO? Notorious for being a tourist trap, Londoners tend to shun this place and keep on trucking across Waterloo bridge. Big mistake.
There’s unparalleled riverbank to rooftop bliss and debauch as well as ass-shaking laughter and mega cocktail bars- you just gotta know where to find ‘em. Stick with BarChick and we’ll make the Thames look like the Nile. Dope. Wanna emanate local vibes and impress your mates with all that nook and cranny knowledge? Obviously. I mean, there aren’t any converted bar/cafe/yoga studio warehouses, but there’s a mega view, brilliant interactive art and wait for it…ALCOHOL. Let’s brave this sh*tshow in style: from Lower Marsh to Bank Side, here’s how to do it like a heavyweight and not end up in Giraffe:

Morning fix

Not crack. Coffee. Coffee doesn't question your morals, EVER. Not even during a walk of shame. Go AWOL and get to Scooter Cafe. You dig cats, scooters & retro Faema espresso machines? F*ck yes. Go shake paws with resident Bob the Tabby, take stupid early bird Instagram photos of scooters (don’t knock it, it’s fun) and drink flat whites on the terrace. Basically, jump off here to prepare yourself for the madness that is South Bank. But if you put a higher premium on coffee over cats and coziness, go to Four Corners. This is for the connoisseur: they’ve got soft brews, affogatos and cold drip in glass bottles that you can swill all morning in their uber clean space of marquee letters, maps and bad ass baristas in stripy shirts. If you’re up and at em before 10, do an almond croissant. If you’re a cheapskate and are after more of a lowbrow affair, do Marie. Not literally. Marie’s is your traditional English caf with a Thai food twist. Basically, the breakfast for the most hanging champions in Londontown.
Scooter Cafe, 132 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE // Four Corners, 12 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RJ // Marie, 90 Lower Marsh, London SE1

Get strollin’

Scooters aren’t available to rent at Scooter Cafe, so you’re sh*t outta luck, Grab another coffee to take away (trust, you need it) and amble over to the South Bank Skatepark; you’ll get prime river sightings, obligatory busking and a gratis spectacle of skateboarding. Lean on the railing for a bit, have a fag and don’t do anything stupid. Like trying to skateboard whilst drunk. Leave it to the professionals. If goggling at fit skateboarders isn’t your thing, go chill at Jubilee Gardens and watch the frenzy unfold. There’s a carousel, a playground and lots of grass to where you can get your sunbathe on.
After all that Vit D you’ll need to nosh and we’ve got just the place for you: Royal Festival Hall food market. Artisanal triumphs once again. There are 40 traders who rear, grow and produce everything themselves, so you’ll be sorted no matter what. If you fancy something a little less collapsible and a little more sit-down, head to Hayward Gallery’s Concrete. Perched a few stories high, the tourists won’t smell it and you’ll get epic Thames panoramas. You’re safe to sip your white wine spritzer and eat your seasonal salad in peace before sh*t gets naughty. Because it will. Come back here from 5-7 for their ‘laughing hour’ and you’ll get hammered for half the price. Cant find it in the dark? Keep your eyes peeled for the neon concrete mixer. Just don’t try straddling it—it’s art… And there are fit DJs for just that.
Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8RT // Concrete, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Culture fix

After you’ve brunched & boozed you’re ready for a bit of a culture crawl. The swaying’ll just make it that much more fun. After imbibing booze it’s only natural to imbibe art, because booze is basically liquid art in a pint glass and galleries are awesome whilst buzzed. f you fancy interactive art like slides on the sides of buildings and roaming beds, go to Hayward Gallery. But if you a fancy a real massive London institution, don’t deprive yourself and go to Tate Modern. Now, drunk, sober, whatever, just keep your paws off the art: Dali, Rothko & Hirst…they’re not f*cking around. If you wanna peruse books go to South Bank Book Market under Waterloo bridge. Scavenge real hard & you may even find some erotica. You’re more likely to find sheet music or quirky culinary books, but s’all good ‘cos it’s all one big thumping boozy adventure. Go on, haggle. Read a book. Put the Tinder away…
Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX // Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Sundowner

If you find yourself in front of the Riverside Terrace Cafe, ABORT. Nothing good will ever come of this. Look up, follow the multicolored bunting & let it lead you to Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden Bar & Cafe. Get some Pimm’s or G & Ts - very British, always banging. And with those epic views of the Thames, Westminster & The London Eye, how could you complain? You can’t. You’re blissed out, you’re smashed & if the sun’s gonna be out anywhere, it’s gonna be here. Having said that The Green Room at the National Theatre is mixing sunshine with a Fever-Tree G&T summer pop up. Go make your own G&T and hang at the roaring BBQ like you own it. But if it’s chilly & you’re sick of al fresco, no problem. Head back to Concrete for that ‘laughing hour’ cos it’s cheap & good.

Meander down toward Blackfriars Bridge and go hard (decadent like) at the best new cocktail bar in the world, Dandelyan. It’s like a futuristic art deco bachelor pad with booze-lined glass shelves, sexed up purple leather and floor to ceiling glass looking straight out at that murky motherf*cker. The cocktails will blow ya mind with tree sap, bee pollen and concrete all legit ingredients. Want a different vista, but can’t be bothered to move? We got you. Head to Rumpus Room on the roof & go wild; inspired by Bright Young Things (a group of hedonists who romped around London in the 20s) Rumpus Room is looking for a 21st century version & all eyes are on you. Drink bubbly from the bottle. Be bold with the bartenders. Do everything Mum tells you not to in a magical glass box in the sky. Don't worry: what happens up there, stays up there.
Dandelyan and Rumpus Room, Mondrian Hotel, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD"
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string(10907) "Abrakebabra kicks off on August 1st, some posh kebab place called Le Bab is opening in Kingly court & even Sunday Brunch featured trendy kebabs the other day. As much as we’re down with these food revolutions, the Kebab is hardly anything new; it's been around for like, ever. From the greasy doner to Giles Coren's beloved Kentish Town local, BarChick asked London where the best kebabs were at, got trashed, visited them all and this is our guide to everything you need to know about kebabs. Hells yes!
WHAT'S WHAT?
Doner kebab, shish kebab, shawarma, kofta, gyro, adana—the many names & preparations of meat from The Middle East, South Asia & The Eastern Mediterranean can leave even the most worldly of eaters feeling totally clueless. But not to worry kebab compadres, we’re here to rub your temples & get you revved up for what is one of the nation's favourite cuisines. Forget whatever nightmarish experiences you’ve had at 4am on a stag do in Cardiff & let’s wade into it.
Centuries ago,Turkic tribe soldiers in Anatolia used their swords to grill meat over open field fires. Now, these savage men have been replaced by suits, raging pissheads & stiletto strapped flailing their arms over tarnished steel counters. But it’s all a part of the modern charm. And we think it’s pretty ace that with all the sh*t going down in our crises-ridden world, we can all at least unite over a very serious & profoundly deep love of food.
Be picky, but not uncompromising. Knowledgeable, but not annoying & you’ll get the mega meat hit you’ve always wanted. There are a helluva lot of dodgy doners out there, so let’s go over the jargon first so you don’t sound like a tw*t.
THE CHAT
Kebab: This means to roast. Americans obviously do it differently so you’ll get meat & veg on a skewer if you ask for a kebab. If you’re on the right side of the pond, you’ll be feasting on sliced meat in pita. The former is shish & the latter is doner.
Shish: Chunks of meat, and sometimes veg, strung on a skewer & roasted over a grill.
Doner: Typically, lamb, beef, or chicken (horse if you're unlucky) cooked on a vertical rotating spit, shaved off & most popularly served in pita bread.
Shawarma: The Arabic incarnation of the doner.
Kofta: Minced or ground meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with spices & onion. Kinda like mini oval burgers.
Adana: Long, hand-minced meat kebab mounted on an iron skewer & grilled over an open mangal.
Mangal: Not a family’s surname, but a Middle Eastern name for barbecue which refers to the grilling apparatus as well as the event.
Ocakbasi: The Turkish word for a grill restaurant with an open fire pit.
Gyro: In greek, this means ‘to turn’. Similar to the derivation of the doner, which comes from the Turkish word don-mek & refers to the act of spinning. In Greece, the gyro is prepared on a vertical rotating spit & shaved off accordingly.
Nazar: The blue eye-shaped amulet showcased at Turkish restaurants that wards off evil. Better to be safe than sorry.
Sensing a theme here? During one of the most brutal and powerful eras in history, there was high interaction between Greek, Turkish & Arabic cultures. This interaction inevitably effected cuisine & so regional incarnations of this all-mighty meat started to develop. Big up the Ottoman Empire for gifting us with the ultimate antidote to ‘the spins’.
Hungry? Good. Cos these are the most legendary legendary kebab hangouts in London:
THE TOP SPOTSFez Mangal
They’ve got shish, doner & adana at this West London institution. It’s all exposed brick, copper & ocakbasi. Oh, and it’s BYOB without any of the corking fees. Brilliant.
104 Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1PYKebab Kid
Cash only fluorescently-lit hole in the wall using grade-A meat from Smithfield Market. It's one of the premier late night snacking station for cabbies & Sloanes alike.
90 New Kings Road, Fulham, London SW6 4LUBosphorus Kebab
No artificial additives, they boast. And everyone comes knockin’: rubbish collectors, Sultans, museum-goers etc. Hoggets delivered fresh each dawn, but if you’re not a carnivore they have a whole array of banging veg options. We opt for an XL doner kebab topped with yogurt salad.
59 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3JSE Mono
Giles Coren gave it his accolades and it’s status as a historic ‘kebabstitution’ was sealed. The men behind this Kentish Town joint are determined to take the kebab out of the mire of disrepute. All kebabs are made on sight & all chicken is free-range. Keep your eyes peeled for the Victorian signage & roll those sleeves up for a monstrous 500 g chicken shawarma.
287 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2JSChifafa
They’re intent on remodeling the scarred image of the kebab. It’s like elevated fast food. Greasy spoon kebabs are always ace, but if you’re time-poor and meat-desperate, do Chifafa. You can get high-welfare English veal shoulder marinated in lemon, oregano & garlic, grilled & served with a mint/dill tzatziki & salad for under a tenner.
45-47 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RSMangal 2
Vast selection of grilled mains from kebab to kofta cooked on the ocakbasi grill & ample amounts of yogurts/sauces to cool you down. It’s marginally more pricey than your dirty doner shop down the road, but it’s a bucket list cert if you’re in London Town.
4 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 8BHDamascu Bite
For when you’re shitfaced in Shoreditch & you can’t bear going to Polo Club. No frills Syrian-style shawarma. We elect the chicken shawarma packed with white/red cabbage, white onion, lettuce & copious amounts of garlic sauce. Eat it al fresco & never ever on a night bus.
21 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6PGTad
Ocakbasi Meze Bar with eat-in & take away options. Rolled vine leaves, spinach yoghurt dip, lamachun & most importantly…KEBABS. They’ll serve you “Mediterranean peasant food in the heart of hackney” & send you off sated. Vermilion walls, laminated wood & neon…Welcome to one of London’s most delicious Turkish transplants.
261 Mare Street, London E8 3NSFM Mangal
This Turkish family run joint’s got it all. Out back we’re talking a restaurant that’s packed with regs and is as ‘posh’ as kebabs get with an open grill, winding stairways and the chargrilled onion that’s served up as a pre starter that’s the total show stealer. Swinging by? There’s late-night kebab counter out front dishing out all the classics done to perfection. Ask nicely and they’ll chuck in an onion too.
54 Camberwell Church Street, London SE5 8QZSuper Kebab & it’s sibling site Super Ocakbasi
Cos it won best take away kebab in London & there’s no way we can contest that. The former is exceedingly bright whilst the latter is easier on the eyes, but both grill & roast like absolute champs. Take some mates, order the mixed kebab & sprinkle your world with sumac. The take away caters to the well-inebriated, but it’s still a family joint.
54 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 7XB//111 Stoke Newington Road, London N16 8BXCyprus Mangal
If you’re between Pimlico & London Victoria & you’re dr*nk/horny/hungry/tired/ kebab daydreaming (a common affliction amongst Britons), then follow the yellow brick road, which is actually a fleet of black taxis. Efes beer, Turkish wine & succulent lamb’ll send you to the land of nod with the fullest of bellies & hearts. They’ve even got grilled quail for any local toffs.
45 Warwick Way, London SW1V 1QS"
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Soho House Berlin

Barchick Says

Date Updated: 03/06/2013

Located on the corner of Torstrasse and Prenzlauer Allee in East Berlin’s fashionable district of Mitte, Soho House Berlin is a pretty nostalgic affair. If (like BarChick) you’ve spent a bit of time kicking back in London’s Shoreditch House, then this place will be sure to make you feel homesick. Identical to its older sister in many ways, there are just enough differences to ferment the fact that you’re somewhere else, but it’s a funny feeling nonetheless.

A stark mixture of industrial concrete and velvet soft furnishing evoke an air of warm glamour, while brass fittings and clever lighting keep this place mysterious. The history of this place is pretty deep, but we ain’t gonna bore you with it.

The lounge area is actually rather small, especially if you’re used to the airy space of Shoreditch House, come here for the vibe and to mingle with hot media types and forward thinkers. The view from the roof is pretty spectacular and the outside pool that requires acts of valiance is something of a centerpiece. Drink wine or beer here, this place is about the vibe and the shoulder rubbing and not the bevs.